Dear Student, Parents, and Guardians,
Due to the forecasted winter weather across South Carolina, including the potential for snow and dangerously cold temperatures early Saturday morning, the South Carolina Band Directors Association has made the difficult decision to cancel All-State Band auditions scheduled for Saturday. The safety of students, families, and staff must always come first.
In accordance with established SCBDA procedures, All-State Band seating will be determined using students’ Region audition scores and placements. These guidelines are outlined in the SCBDA Handbook and are designed to provide a fair and consistent process when auditions cannot be held as planned. Additional details will be shared by Region Directors as they become available.
The situation for All-State Jazz Band is different. Because there are no handbook procedures or preliminary scores available to seat the Jazz Band in this circumstance, those auditions must be rescheduled. All-State Jazz Band auditions will now take place on Sunday, February 8, at Chapin High School, using the same audition times. Families of affected students will receive further details soon.
The circumstances surrounding this year’s decision are unique, even when compared to the COVID-19 pandemic. While the handbook provides clear guidance in certain situations, its protocols cannot be adjusted on a case-by-case basis and instead require time and formal processes to modify. Your band directors have been provided with additional context and can help explain the rationale behind these decisions. We encourage families to reach out to them with questions so they can assist you directly.
We recognize that this decision may be disappointing, especially for students who have worked hard to prepare for these auditions. Many band directors and association leaders have students—and even their own children—impacted by this change, and we truly empathize with the frustration and emotions this may bring. Please know that these decisions were made thoughtfully, carefully, and with students’ well-being as the top priority.
Thank you for your understanding, flexibility, and continued support of music education across our state.
Sincerely,
Dr. Adam Scheuch
President
South Carolina Band Directors Association